The job of the contemporary reference librarian has a virtual component unimaginable a generation ago. Today's library professional can obtain an MLS (or equivalent) online with a minimal residency requirement. Not only the degree, but also library sources, and indeed patrons, have become virtual. Both books and periodicals can be consulted by…

Presented is a description of the materials used in teaching library history. (100 references) (SJ)

Discussion of way in which books have functioned within framework of American librarianship highlights acquisition of books (libraries attempting to fill needs of everyone in geographical area, libraries devoted to filling needs of self-selected part of society, libraries devoted to collecting particular subject), and role of private collector of…

The library profession's attitude regarding national and international issues, and issues within the profession during the last decade are recalled. (MBR)

This report surveys the development of librarianship in West Africa since 1954, focusing primarily on the production of professional library literature in Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, the five countries which constitute the sub-region of English-speaking West Africa. An overview of library developments is presented, and three…

The creation of the West African Library Association, library schools, the national library, the Ibadan University Library, and increase in employment opportunities due to the establishment of more libraries, are discussed as favorable factors in the development of librarianship. (MBR)

An overview of libraries in developing nations examines in general terms their historical development during their colonial and post-independence periods and discusses the more salient factors affecting development. These factors include language, distribution of population, topography, poor communication, level of formal education, illiteracy,…

The growth of libraries and of technical education in the middle of the 19th century led to the organization of Melvil Dewey's School of Library Economy in 1887. The School offered a technical course to replace the apprenticeships then in favor. Its curriculum persisted as the model for library education through 1920. A break with the early form…

The beginning and development of libraries in Nigeria are reviewed. Particular areas discussed include: libraries before mid-century, librarians before mid-century, the difficulties of birth, libraries as instruments of power, early library men, the Lagos Library, the Carnegie Corporation, World War II, Elliot Commission, Lagos Public Library,…

The history of library science in Poland and a number of Polish research projects are reviewed in this paper. It is concluded that a considerable amount of research has been done on the history of libraries in Poland, but that this research is fragmented and separated by its focus on theory or methodology. The methodology of scientific research in…

This dissertation is the report of an analysis of the literature of American theological education. American theological education is defined here as the efforts of American Protestant theological schools, particularly the member schools of the American Association of Theological Schools (AATS), to prepare students for ministry. An assumption of…

This guide is intended to provide a concise assessment of the extent and nature of research on American library history, to briefly discuss the theoretical framework and methodological tools utilized by library historians, to provide an annotated list of works dealing with the published literature on this topic, and to present a descriptive…

Overview of growth and progress of American librarianship from 1945 to 1970 ("Golden Age") highlights library education; expansion of American Library Association; library philanthropy; federal aid to libraries; library buildings and new technology; changes in academic, public, school, and special libraries; general trends; and end of…

Examines the relationship between historians and librarians. Delineates the librarian's role in historical research; how librarians can create and maintain history collections; and ways that librarians and historians can work together to improve libraries. Outlines major areas of contention between historians and librarians, and discusses…

An overview of libraries in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.) is presented, beginning with an analysis of the role played by Lenin in shaping the development of the library system in that country. There follows a historical survey of libraries in the Soviet Union, with an emphasis on the period from 1955 to 1975. Certain aspects…